BOUND BROOK — The former Marine who went missing in 1973 but whose skeletal remains were identified in 2012 via a DNA match, will be celebrated by his family and friends this weekend.

The family of Joseph Dziowgo are holding a memorial service at noon Saturday at the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church at 208 Bound Brook Ave. in Piscataway.

"Finally, after 40 years, we can put his soul to rest," his sister, Liz Dziowgo, said.

Joseph Dziowgo was born in the Bronx on March 2, 1948, and graduated from Somerville High School in 1967, Liz Dziowgo said. He served in the United States Marines from June 1967 to June 1971 as a paratrooper, serving in South Vietnam in 1969, and reaching the rank of lance corporal, Liz Dziowgo said.

Joseph Dziowgo’s death was ruled a homicide, but authorities didn't want to say how he was killed while the investigation continued.

Capt. Jack Bennett of the Somerset Prosecutor's Office said Thursday that the investigation was still open.

As of Feb. 2013 there is an open reward for $10,000 for information on this case. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the prosecutor’s office at 908-231-7100, the Somerset County Crime Stoppers at 888-577-TIPS, or online at www.scpo.net.

"New York will not give up his remains, but we decided to have the ceremony after 40 years," Dziowgo said. "We're not going to give up on him now."